This coming Monday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. For many
it is a day to pause and remember that the freedoms we enjoy have been paid for
in full by the service in harm’s way by our country’s nearly 22 million
military veterans.

According to the local Molleville Farm Post # 467 of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, in 2008 9.2 million veterans were older than 64 years
of age and 1.9 million were younger than 35.

In 2009, 1.5 million of our veterans were female, 1.1
million Hispanic and 2.3 million are African-American.

“If you study American
history very closely, you will see that African-Americans have been stepping up
to the plate to defend our nation since the founding of the Republic,”
according to Brig. Gen. Linda Singh, 49, the recently appointed
commander of the Maryland Army National Guard.

A month ago, on October 11, Singh was one of two keynote
speakers at the 11th annual Carroll County National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People, Branch # 7014 Freedom Fund Banquet in
Westminster – along with U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings, D-Dist. 7.

Soon after Singh assumed the commander responsibilities in
August, she appointed Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Beyard to serve as the Maryland
Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major. Many know Beyard, who served twice in
the Middle East between 2006 and 2012, as the Westminster city director of
housing and preservation services.

Singh is the first African-American – and the first woman to
assume the position of commander. “I did not rise to my current assignment by
myself. I stood on the shoulders of giants. For much of America's history, one
nagging fact of life for African American military members is that they were
risking their lives for second­ class citizenship up to the time of the war in
Vietnam…

“If you ask why they would do this the answer from most is
that this is their country too and there was always a hope that the inequities
of the time would be settled. During the Revolutionary War, a newly freed slave
named Peter Salem joined the Massachusetts Militia as a condition of his
freedom. The folks were also known as
Minutemen… During the American Civil
War, 180,000 African Americans fought for the Union Army…”

“African-Americans have served in all of America's wars,”
according to historian Jay Graybeal. He reported in research that he conducted
for the Historical Society of Carroll County in the early 1990s, “Over 10,000
blacks served in the Continental Army and Navy forces; another 1,000 served
with the British. Black seamen fought with great distinction at the critical
Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

“The Federal government enlisted 178,975 blacks during the
Civil War; 69,178 died during the conflict. Blacks were again called for
service in World War I. Approximately 90 Carroll County men served in all-black
U.S. Army units,” wrote Graybeal.

Another historian, Duane K. Doxzen, reported in his research
for the Historical Society in the 1990s, “Although blacks had served in
military units before the Civil War, it was this conflict that saw the
enlistment of blacks in large numbers. A significant number of Carroll County
free blacks and manumitted slaves enlisted in the United States Colored Troops.
Most of these volunteers served in the Fourth Regiment U.S.C.T., a unit that
had been formed around the volunteers from the two thousand black Baltimoreans
who had aided in the fortification of the city amidst the panic of Robert E.
Lee's northward incursion in 1863.

“We know at least fifty three blacks from Carroll County
served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. Of this number
seven were killed in action, died as the result of a wound inflicted in battle
or died of disease. Seven others were discharged or mustered out with wounds or
disabilities resulting from their service,” reported Doxzen.

“After the Civil War, the U.S. Congress allowed four colored
regiments to be part of the United States Army...two cavalry and two infantry,”
said Singh.

“Perhaps the most famous of those regiments was the l0th
Cavalry. The soldiers of the regiment were nicknamed "Buffalo
Soldiers" by Native

Americans because of the similarity of their hair to that of
buffaloes.

“These soldiers fought Geronimo, bandits, bootleggers,
Mexican revolutionaries and guarded the lives of American settlers who were
occupying the West. The regiment fought alongside of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough
Riders during his attack on San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish American
War.”

Singh observed, “The American Armed Forces were still
largely segregated when World War II began in 1941. This did not stop African
Americans from volunteering to serve their country….

“More than 966 African American aviators were trained at an
isolated training complex at the Tuskegee Institute near the town of Tuskegee
Alabama… Four hundred and fifty black fighter pilots under the command of
Colonel (later Lieutenant General) Benjamin 0. Davis, Jr. fought in the aerial
war over North Africa, Sicily, and Europe…”

“While President Truman desegregated the Armed Forces in
1948, the civilian sector, especially in the south stubbornly grasped to
segregation,” said Singh. “This did not stop African Americans from pursuing
successful careers in the Armed Forces… Many African American women have made
and are making successful careers in the American armed forces…

“Despite its historical flaws, the American Armed Forces has
been a stellar example for personal achievement based on merit this is because,
advancement, for the most part, is based upon what you do, not who you know….”

President John F. Kennedy said it best, “A nation reveals
itself not only by the by the people it produces, but also by the people it
honors, the people it remembers”.

Throughout history ordinary people have served in our
extraordinary military and accomplished extraordinary things. For this we are
eternally indebted and grateful.

And let’s not forget to say Happy Birthday Marines. November
10, 1775, is the official birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Westminster will honor Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, 4
p.m. at the Westminster Recreation and Parks Family Center, located in the old
Longwell Armory, 11 Longwell Ave. The event is hosted by Carroll Post 31
American Legion.

When he is not reminiscing about serving in the Marines and
whistling the “Marines’ Hymn,” “… from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of
Tripoli…,” while raking leaves, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff
(at) gmail.com. Semper Fi.

Information - THIS WEB SITE PUBLICATION IS BEST VIEWED IN MOZILLA FIREFOX

Come to the Carroll County Agriculture Center 2011 Corn Maze. Support the Ag Center and agriculture in Carroll County - and have lots of family fun... It starts this Friday September 23, 2011 and goes until October 30, 2011. Fridays 5-9; Saturdays 5-9; Sundays 2-7. Admission Adults- $10.00 Children 3-12- $5.00 Children 2 & under- FREE. For more information Contact Nichole @ 410-848-6704

Whatever

Looking for Rainbows

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

For articles on Westminster Maryland Online about the MML – Maryland Municipal League

Click on the image above for articles on Westminster Maryland Online about the MML Municipal League or go to: http://tinyurl.com/3nwnxak ++++ Maryland Municipal League (MML) Synopsis and disclosure By Kevin Dayhoff May 30, 2005 The Maryland Municipal League, founded in 1936, works as a advocate for municipalities throughout the State of Maryland, strengthening the role and capacity of municipal government through research, legislation, technical assistance, training and the dissemination of information for its members. MML is a statewide organization in Maryland composed solely of municipal officials. The Maryland Municipal League represents more than 150 municipal governments and two special taxing districts in the State. A voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by these city and town governments, MML works to strengthen the role and capacity of municipal government through research, legislation, technical assistance, training and the dissemination of information to its members. http://www.mdmunicipal.org/mmlhome/index.cfm Disclosure: I served on the Maryland Municipal League Board of Directors annually for five consecutive years, from June 2000 to May 2005. I graduated from the University of Maryland Academy for Excellence in Local Government in June 2001. I served on the Maryland Municipal League’s Legislative Committee in 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. I served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Carroll County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League for five years (12/07/1999 – 05/16/2005). I was first elected to the Westminster City Council in May of 1999 and served as the Mayor of Westminster from May 2001 until May 16th, 2005.] https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maryland-Municipal-League/214347715261030 Wednesday, September 01, 1999 / May 30, 2005 UPDATE ked Reposted: October 30, 2011

A Family Friendly Blog

markknoller's Photo Stream

Carroll Community College, Westminster, Maryland

http://www.carrollcc.edu/

4-H Therapeutic Riding Program of Carroll County

http://www.trp4h.org/index.html Click on the image above for more information. The 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program is seeking volunteers, ages 14 and up, to help with lessons at the 4-H arena at the Agriculture Center in Westminster. Horse experience is a plus, but is not required. Call 410-876-1760.

Media Newspapers and information

Brendan Bush Photography

Click on image or go to: http://www.brendanbushphotography.com/ or http://www.roanokestock.com/ - Brendan lives in Roanoke, VA, but notes “I’m always willing to travel…” He may be reached at brendan AT brendanbushphotography DOY com or 540.344.5227

Amy and Marty Hackett: Remember the Day Photography

Click on their business card to go to their web site: http://www.rememberthedayphotos.com/

Technology

Travel

WTTR "Voice of Carroll County"

Check us out! http://www.wttr.com/ WTTR is the "Voice of Carroll County" and has been the local source for news, sports, weather, community events and activities for over 50 years. Oldies 1470 plays music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s and gives our listeners local news and community information that no other radio station provides. Check us out! http://www.wttr.com/ For posts on “Soundtrack” about WTTR go here: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Media%20Radio%20WTTR

“Cat and other post-bacc thoughts” By Christiana Martin

Click on the image to go to my friend’s website, “Cat and other post-bacc thoughts” By Christiana Martin

The assemblage of this website is from multiple sources

The assemblage of this website is from multiple sources – and-or a result of my original compilation that took decades to put together many years ago - all of which I have been very careful to cite. That said - any and all mistakes that may appear on this website are my fault and mine alone.

Because I really enjoy and appreciate collaborative art, every reasonable effort has been made to trace the owners of copyright materials on this website, but in some instances this has proven impossible.

I will be glad to receive information leading to more complete acknowledgments; in the meantime please accept my apologies for any omissions.”

I have spent my entire in public service as an artist, writer, and an elected or appointed government official. I have created intellectual property all my life. I realize that working hard does not indemnify oneself from criticism from those who would rather criticize than do the hard work – or be correct.

If anyone feels there is any breach of copyright, this is not my intent - so please notify me so I can correct the error. I simply want to put together an informative website.

A collection of articles by Kevin E. Dayhoff published in Patch over the years…

Click on the picture for a link... Retrieved on October 28, 2014

Pay Pal If you like what you see and want to help, please make a donation. THANK YOU

Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com

Kevin Dayhoff Art http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/): The mindless ramblings of a freelance journalist and artist formerly known as mayor. A mild mannered vacuous unemployable college drop out; political novice, hilltop hillbilly farmer artist with no leadership skills and decades of unaccounted for time; fighting off the forces of poverty, the intellectually stunted and the artistically disinclined.

Food

Sotp

Click on the image above to go my latest posts on Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack at www;kevindayhoff.net

Thomas Films, Inc.:

Thomas Films, Inc.: ThomasFilms creates and produces film and television programs, commercials, PSAs, conferences and special events We offer a broad and unique range of production services targeted to your specific needs. http://www.thomasfilms.com/ Kevin Dayhoff – Soundtrack and Kevin Dayhoff – Art appreciates Thomas Films contribution to support our work

Questions and feedback are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Email is best. Please be sure to put the word “kdart” in the subject line. I read all of my mail, but cannot always respond due to time constraints.

Anonymous mail is forwarded to the Department of Homeland Security (please include your phone number).

All mail is subject to print, including your name. However, if you don't want me to publish your e-mail, or if you would like to remain anonymous, just let me know.

The statements made on this web site reflect the personal opinions of the author. All opinions and any and all mistakes that may appear in this blog are my fault and mine alone and are not in any way shape or form made in any official capacity or any past, present or future employers.

This blog is written for human consumption; however, it has only been tested on anthropomorphic replicants and android sheep.

The Food and Drug Administration wanted it to be tested on animals. However, the animal rights activists protested, forcing me to abandon testing and release the distressed critters.

I released them in the lobby of the animal rights office. I figured those friendly folks could best take care of the mice and we all shared a common goal – that the mice be free.

Therefore this material has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The long-term effects of reading this material remain uncertain. Please proceed at your own risk.

All information is peripatetically verified when possible, cited as appropriate and applied in the real world at your own risk (except for insights gathered at séances at Barbra Streisand's house). If you find a mistake, let me know and I will correct it. Remember, not all potatoes can swim; always keep plenty of ice cream available and do not run with sharp objects in your hands.

"Mistakes are almost always of a sacred nature. Never try to correct them. On the contrary: rationalize them, understand them thoroughly. After that, it will be possible for you to sublimate them." Salvador Dali

"Paper clips are the larval stage of coat hangers."

"That terrible mood of depression of whether it's any good or not is what is known as The Artist's Reward." Ernest Hemingway

"There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." - Joseph Brodsky

Commas are probably the most misunderstood of all punctuation. They frequently dress in black, listen to sad music, and cut themselves.

E tenebris in lucem voco. ("Out of darkness, I call you into light.")

If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?

Mark Twain wrote: "the only difference between fiction and nonfiction is that fiction should be completely believable."

“I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.” Roy Batty in “Blade Runner,” Warner Bros., 1982

“The true test of a person's character is how they treat the people in life that they don't need.” - Lee Corso